Quick Comparison: Best String Trimmers for Edging
| Trimmer | Power Source | Edging Feature | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx WG170.9 | 20V Battery | Rotating shaft + guide wheel | 5.5 lbs | ~$69 |
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 | 6.5 Amp Corded | Rotating shaft + built-in edger wheel | 5.0 lbs | ~$59 |
| EGO ST1510T | 56V Battery | Inline motor + precision balance | 7.7 lbs | ~$199 |
| DEWALT DCST922B | 20V MAX Battery | Folding hinge + dual-speed | 8.5 lbs | ~$129 |
| Ryobi P20014 | 18V ONE+ Battery | Rotating shaft + variable speed | 5.5 lbs | ~$98 |
| Greenworks 24V 12-Inch | 24V Battery | 180-degree pivoting head | 5.3 lbs | ~$69 |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCES300 | 20V Battery | Pivoting head + 2-in-1 design | 5.6 lbs | ~$79 |
Why Edging Matters More Than You Think
I used to think trimming and edging were the same thing. They are not. Trimming knocks down tall grass where the mower can not reach. Edging cuts a sharp, clean line along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds.
Here is what I figured out after testing 10+ string trimmers over two seasons: most trimmers can edge. But very few do it well. The difference between a messy edge and a crisp, professional-looking edge comes down to one thing — the trimmer’s design.
You need a trimmer with a rotating shaft, a guide wheel, or a precision head that lets you hold the tool vertically without fighting it. That is what this list is built around.
1. Worx WG170.9 GT 3.0 — Best All-Around Edging Trimmer
The Worx WG170.9 is the Swiss Army knife of string trimmers. I have used it for two months and it keeps impressing me. What makes it special for edging is the rotating shaft. You press a button, twist the head 90 degrees, and boom — you are now holding an inline edger.
It also has a guide wheel. That little wheel sits on the ground while you edge, so you do not have to hold the weight of the trimmer up. Your arms stay fresh. Your lines stay straight. It sounds simple but it is a game changer when you have 200 feet of sidewalk to edge.
Key Specs
- Power: 20V PowerShare battery (batteries and charger sold separately)
- Cutting swath: 12 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds (bare tool)
- Line feed: Command Feed (push-button)
- 3-in-1: Trimmer, edger, mini mower
What I Like
- The rotating shaft makes switching from trimming to edging take 3 seconds
- Guide wheel saves your shoulders on long edging runs
- Weighs only 5.5 pounds, so anyone can handle it
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Works with all Worx 20V and 40V PowerShare batteries
What Could Be Better
- 12-inch swath means more passes than 14- or 15-inch models
- Struggles a bit on thick overgrowth compared to gas models
- Battery not included in the bare tool version
Best for: Homeowners with small to medium yards who want one tool that does everything — trimming, edging, and light mowing.
2. BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 — Best Budget Edging Trimmer
If you want sharp edges without spending much money, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 is your answer. At around $59, it is the cheapest trimmer on this list. But do not let the price fool you. This corded electric trimmer has a 6.5-amp motor that spins faster than most battery models in the same size class.
The edging secret here is the rotating shaft combined with a built-in edger wheel. You twist the shaft, flip the trimmer vertical, and the wheel guides you along the concrete. The gear-driven transmission sends more torque to the cutting head, so the 0.065-inch line cuts cleaner than you would expect.
Key Specs
- Power: 6.5 Amp corded electric
- Cutting swath: 14 inches
- Weight: 5.0 pounds
- Line feed: Automatic Feed Spool (AFS)
- 2-in-1: Trimmer and edger
What I Like
- Dirt cheap for the performance you get
- 14-inch swath covers more ground per pass
- No battery to charge — plug in and go forever
- Automatic feed means zero bumping
- 5 pounds is easy to carry for an hour straight
What Could Be Better
- Cord limits range — you need an extension cord and outdoor outlet
- 0.065-inch line is on the thin side for heavy weeds
- Plastic build feels less premium than higher-end models
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners with small to medium yards and easy access to an outdoor outlet.
3. EGO ST1510T Power+ — Best Premium Edging Trimmer
EGO makes tools that try to beat gas. The ST1510T is their commercial-grade string trimmer and it is the most powerful battery trimmer I have tested. For edging, the magic is in the inline motor design. The brushless motor sits right behind the cutting head, not at the top of the shaft. This gives you better balance when you turn the trimmer vertical for edging.
The Powerload head is another big win. You feed the line through, push a button, and the trimmer winds itself. No disassembling the head. No swearing. It takes 10 seconds. When you are edging a long sidewalk and the line wears down, the bump feed is smooth and predictable.
Key Specs
- Power: 56V ARC Lithium battery (battery and charger sold separately)
- Cutting swath: 15 inches
- Weight: 7.7 pounds (bare tool)
- Line feed: Powerload automatic winding + bump feed
- Motor: Brushless, inline design
What I Like
- Gas-level power without gas headaches
- Inline motor makes vertical edging feel natural and balanced
- Powerload system makes reloading line stupid easy
- 15-inch swath is generous for a battery trimmer
- Very low vibration compared to gas models
What Could Be Better
- 7.7 pounds is heavier than most on this list
- Expensive — bare tool costs around $199 without battery
- 56V batteries are pricey if you need spares
Best for: Homeowners with large yards who want gas performance without the noise and fumes, and are willing to pay for it.
4. DEWALT DCST922B — Best Folding Edging Trimmer
DEWALT designed the DCST922B with a folding hinge in the middle of the shaft. This does two things. First, it lets you fold the trimmer in half for storage. Second, it lets you adjust the angle more precisely when you are edging. Instead of a set 90-degree rotation, you can fine-tune the head position.
The brushless motor gives you runtime that stretches well past 45 minutes on a 5Ah battery. There are two speed settings: low for trimming around flowers (less collateral damage) and high for edging thick grass along concrete. The QuickLoad spool is another nice touch — feed the line, twist the knob, and you are done.
Key Specs
- Power: 20V MAX battery (tool only — battery and charger sold separately)
- Cutting swath: 14 inches
- Weight: 8.5 pounds (bare tool)
- Line feed: QuickLoad spool + bump feed
- Motor: Brushless with 2-speed control
What I Like
- Folding hinge lets you adjust edging angle precisely
- Brushless motor sips battery — great runtime
- QuickLoad spool design is much faster than traditional winding
- 14-inch swath does not feel underpowered even in thick grass
- Built like a tank — typical DEWALT durability
What Could Be Better
- 8.5 pounds is the heaviest on this list
- Hinge adds complexity — more moving parts that could fail
- No guide wheel for edging support
Best for: DEWALT battery system owners who want a versatile trimmer that stores compactly and edges with precision.
5. Ryobi P20014 ONE+ — Best Value Edging Trimmer with Rotating Shaft
The Ryobi P20014 is part of the massive ONE+ 18V system, which means the same battery runs over 225 tools. For edging, the star feature is the rotating shaft. You twist it 90 degrees and the trimmer becomes a dedicated edger. It works smoothly and locks firmly in both positions.
What I really like on this model is the variable speed trigger. You control the RPM by how hard you squeeze. Edging along a delicate flower bed? Light squeeze. Edging thick Bermuda grass along a driveway? Full squeeze. That kind of control matters when you want clean lines without damaging nearby plants.
Key Specs
- Power: 18V ONE+ battery (tool only)
- Cutting swath: 13 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds (bare tool)
- Line feed: Reel-Easy bump feed
- Variable speed trigger
What I Like
- Rotating shaft locks firmly in trim and edge positions
- Variable speed trigger gives you surgical control
- Light at 5.5 pounds — easy to handle for long sessions
- Works with any Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery you already own
- Reel-Easy head makes line changes less painful
What Could Be Better
- 13-inch swath is average — wish it was 14 or 15
- 0.080-inch line is fine for grass but gets shredded by heavy weeds
- Bump feed mechanism can be inconsistent if you tap too hard
Best for: Ryobi ONE+ system owners who want a solid, affordable edging trimmer that does not add another battery platform.
6. Greenworks 24V 12-Inch — Best Ultra-Light Edging Trimmer
At barely 5.3 pounds with the battery installed, the Greenworks 24V trimmer is the lightest full-featured edging trimmer I have found. If you have a small yard or you just hate carrying heavy tools, this one belongs on your shortlist.
The 180-degree pivoting head is the edging trick. You can angle the head for vertical edging or tilt it to reach under low-hanging shrubs and decks. The auto-feed line system means you never have to think about bumping. It just feeds more line when it senses the line is short. For a small-yard edging tool, that kind of hands-off operation is exactly what you want.
Key Specs
- Power: 24V lithium-ion battery (kit includes battery and charger)
- Cutting swath: 12 inches
- Weight: 5.3 pounds (with battery)
- Line feed: Auto-feed
- 180-degree pivoting head
What I Like
- Ultra-light at 5.3 pounds with the battery — anyone can use it
- Pivoting head gives you angles most trimmers can not reach
- Auto-feed line — zero bumping, zero thinking
- Kit includes battery and charger for under $70
- Quiet — you can edge early in the morning without waking neighbors
What Could Be Better
- 12-inch swath is small — double the passes for long driveways
- 24V system is less powerful than 40V or 56V competitors
- 0.065-inch line wears down fast on concrete edges
Best for: Small yard owners who want the lightest possible tool that still delivers clean, crisp edges.
7. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCES300 — Best Compact Edging Trimmer
CRAFTSMAN has been on a roll with their V20 cordless lineup, and the CMCES300 string trimmer shows why. At 5.6 pounds bare, it is still very light. The pivoting head converts the tool from trimmer to edger with a simple twist. The telescoping shaft adjusts to your height, so you are not hunching over while you edge.
The 2-speed control is a feature you usually find on more expensive trimmers. Low speed saves battery and protects nearby plants. High speed powers through thick grass and delivers that crisp edge line along concrete. For the price (around $79 bare tool), you get features that punch above the price tag.
Key Specs
- Power: 20V MAX battery (tool only)
- Cutting swath: 13 inches
- Weight: 5.6 pounds (bare tool)
- Line feed: Bump feed
- 2-speed control + telescoping shaft
What I Like
- 2-speed control at this price point is a steal
- Telescoping shaft fits short and tall users comfortably
- Pivoting head converts to edger mode in seconds
- Part of the V20 system — batteries work with 50+ other tools
- CRAFTSMAN warranty and parts availability are strong
What Could Be Better
- Bump feed is old-school — auto-feed would be nicer
- 13-inch swath is middle of the pack
- No guide wheel for edging support
Best for: CRAFTSMAN V20 system owners and anyone wanting a compact, affordable trimmer that edges reliably.
What to Look for in an Edging String Trimmer
Rotating Shaft vs. Fixed Shaft
A rotating shaft is the number one feature for edging. It lets you turn the trimmer head 90 degrees so you can hold the tool vertically. Vertical edging gives you a straight, clean cut. Fixed-shaft trimmers force you to tilt the whole tool at an angle, which is harder to control and gives you uneven results.
If edging is a priority, buy a trimmer with a rotating or pivoting shaft. Period.
Guide Wheels
A guide wheel is a small wheel on the trimmer head that rolls along the ground while you edge. It does two things. First, it supports the weight of the tool so your arms do not get tired. Second, it keeps the cutting line at a consistent height, so your edge line stays even from start to finish. Only two trimmers on this list have guide wheels — the Worx WG170.9 and the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510. If you have a long sidewalk or driveway, you will notice the difference.
Weight and Balance
Edging means holding the trimmer vertically, sometimes for 10 or 15 minutes at a stretch. That puts different strain on your arms compared to horizontal trimming. A lighter trimmer (under 7 pounds) is easier to hold vertical. But balance matters just as much as weight. The EGO ST1510T has an inline motor that keeps the weight near the cutting head, making it feel lighter than it is when edging.
Line Feed System
When you are edging along concrete, the line wears down faster because it hits a hard surface on every pass. You need a line feed system that works reliably without interrupting your rhythm. Auto-feed and push-button feed systems are better for edging than bump feed, because bumping the head on concrete can damage the spool over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any string trimmer be used for edging?
Technically yes, but the results vary wildly. A trimmer with a rotating shaft, guide wheel, or pivoting head will give you much cleaner, straighter edges than a fixed-shaft trimmer tilted at an awkward angle.
Is a corded or battery trimmer better for edging?
It depends on your yard. A corded trimmer like the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 gives you unlimited runtime, which is great for long edging sessions. But you are tied to an extension cord. A battery trimmer gives you freedom of movement. For most people with average-size yards, a battery trimmer is the better choice for edging.
What line thickness is best for edging?
For edging along concrete, I recommend 0.080-inch line or thicker. Thinner line (0.065-inch) wears out too fast on hard surfaces. The EGO ST1510T and DEWALT DCST922B both handle 0.095-inch line, which lasts much longer on concrete edges.
Do I need a separate edger tool?
For most homeowners, no. A string trimmer with a rotating shaft does the job well enough. Dedicated edgers use a metal blade that cuts a deeper, more defined trench. If you want that golf-course look, a dedicated edger is better. But for 90% of yards, a good edging trimmer from this list will satisfy you.
How often should I edge my lawn?
Every 2 to 3 mows is a good rule. Edging every time you mow is overkill unless you are obsessive about your lawn. The edge line stays defined for about two weeks in most growing conditions.
The Final Cut
After testing all these trimmers, here is my honest take. If you want one tool that does everything well, get the Worx WG170.9. The rotating shaft plus the guide wheel makes edging effortless, and the 3-in-1 design means you are getting a trimmer, edger, and mini mower in one package.
If you are on a tight budget, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 at around $59 is a steal. Yes, it has a cord. But the edging results are sharp, and you can not beat the price.
If you want the best performance money can buy and have a big yard, the EGO ST1510T is the one. The inline motor balance and Powerload head make it a joy to use, even if your wallet feels the sting.
No matter which one you pick from this list, your lawn edges are about to look a whole lot sharper.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and buy something, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally tested or thoroughly researched. Thank you for supporting GrassBlogger.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, grassblogger.com earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
